World

Rubio Pledges to Rebuild U.S.-Colombia Relations, Criticizes Previous Government

By AFP

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that Washington would work to rebuild its relationship with Colombia, stating that ties between the two allied nations had weakened during the previous leftist administration in Bogota. Speaking critically of former President Gustavo Petro's government, Rubio said that President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration had inherited "a series of disasters" and was now working to address "the mistakes of the last four years." Rubio made these remarks in Barranquilla following meetings with De la Espriella, during which the two sides signed agreements covering critical minerals supply chains and civilian nuclear cooperation. He expressed optimism that the United States and Colombia could not only restore their traditional relationship but also enter a new, stronger phase of cooperation. Colombia represents the first stop on a broader Latin American tour by Rubio aimed at strengthening relationships with the region's emerging conservative, pro-U.S. leadership. The tour will continue with visits to Ecuador and Peru, where the U.S. is looking to expand security cooperation and support efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. The article was published on September 9, 2026, at 07:46 am IST.